Glorious uncertainties facing David Moyes at Manchester United

David Moyes

So, Manchester United have lost yet another pre-season game, this time going down to a fighting Japanese side Yokohama F-Marinos 2-3. Now, if I were an ardent Red Devils fan (which I am), the result should have given me a few jitters and along with it, a certain reminder that it might be a sign of things to come.

While rivals Chelsea and Arsenal are sweeping aside their tour opponents and seem to be oozing confidence, Manchester United are stuttering around against sides not deemed to win against the reigning English champions. Alas, there is the much publicized transfer saga of Barcelona’s Cesc Fabregas which United seem as determined to secure as the Spanish side are when it comes to not losing their player.

With no high profile signing as yet, United are under increasing pressure to unveil a marquee name to appease their supporters. Meanwhile, the ‘Happy One’ is only too happy to rub in by talking about the unsettled Wayne Rooney.

But then, common sense prevails and recalling it is early days with the new manager just settling in. There is indeed hope for a better future.

With the basic premise of my article laid, it is prudent to acknowledge that the club is undoubtedly going through a massive transitional phase, the effect of which has not been fully recognized by the fans yet.

Eternal optimists and die hard United fans (synonymous), no matter how anxious they are, see exciting times in the post-Sir Alex era. The other group which includes those who don’t support the side see it as the beginning of the end. Surely, David Moyes must have realized the enormity of the task at hand.

At the helm of the most successful and arguably the most scrutinized club in England, Moyes is entering an all-new world. Looking at the immediate challenges confronting the man, one thing that he needs to work on is the mind games with rival managers.

He needs to only look up to his famed predecessor for inspiration. Be it opponents, referees or even the fourth official, nobody is spared from getting a piece of Sir Alex’s mind. Previously at Everton, Moyes was at ease with an occasional jab at rivals but now at Old Trafford, things are going to be different.

A certain Jose Mourinho revels in taking a dig at Manchester United and boy, he does that well. Moyes, on his part, has handled him well till now, “Bring them on” he is reported to have said. He will definitely learn more while on the job.

Another aspect which he needs to get a grip over with is the transfers. It’s been ages now that fans have been waiting for some ‘Fab’ news, but all Moyes does is to tell the world that Ed Woodward (vice- chairman of the club) is dealing with it and he is waiting to hear from him.

Now, that is tad shoddy. He knows that fans are painstakingly waiting for a summer signing befitting the club’s stature and are indeed well within their rights to demand the same. I might be wrong but then Sir Alex would have handled the entire affair differently.

He must then contemplate on the possible return of Cristiano Ronaldo and more importantly, decide whether to break the bank for Gareth Bale who is reportedly being lured to Madrid.

The club needs superstars and there can’t be anyone better than the two mentioned above. Of course, Moyes can’t be blamed for the lack of transfer activity but he needs to handle the expectations of fans by taking firm decisions.

All things said and done, Moyes is a man of his own and he will be sure to stamp his authority on the club. After all, Manchester United is his now and the sooner observers realize it the better.